Alan K. Simpson

The AARP is a group of 3.8 million Americans bound together by a common love of airline discounts and insurance discounts. ”

Across the nation, there are thousands of individuals serving life or life-equivalent sentences for crimes they committed as children. This means they will likely die in prison without a chance to prove to society they are worthy of a second chance. ”

Rather than serving in the U.S. Senate for almost 20 years or having so many other wonderful life experiences, I could have served a longer sentence in prison for some of the stupid, reckless things I did as a teenager. ”

I served three terms in the U.S. Senate and was co-chairman of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010. So I know a bit about how Washington operates, and I have had plenty of experience doing the work of running for office. ”

The Republican Party I represented proudly for 18 years did not shy away from taking on special-interest money when it conflicted with constituents' needs. ”

My parole officer always believed in my capacity for redemption, even when my actions did not inspire confidence. ”

I am living proof that youth possess a unique capacity to grow and change - that the child who seems hopeless today could go on to change the world. ”

When a young person is sent 'up the river,' we need to remember that all rivers can change course. ”

If children who commit crimes are not given the opportunity of a second chance, they may die in prison for acts made before having developed the cognitive and emotional skills needed to make informed and smart decisions and choices. ”

The word liberal distinguishes whatever nourishes the mind and spirit from the training which is merely practical or professional or from the trivialities which are no training at all. ”